Typical price: £1,800
What is it: 42-inch plasma TV with integrated Freeview
What we think: With a cripplingly low resolution and a dearth of connections, this certainly isn't the plasma of the future
Average user rating
5.0
average
Average user rating from 2 users
Agree? Disagree? Write your own review of the Panasonic TH42PE50
Panasonic TH42PE50 user reviews
December 31, 2005
Posted by: Jonathan Crookes
"Poor CNET review of a great TV"
What I like:
Fabulous colour reproduction and contrast. Great for TV and DVD.
What I don't like:
Average EPG.
Review:
I recently bought one after extensive research and auditioning at various high-street stores. Time and time again, and in different shops, this set stood out as having the best picture quality on display!
Not sure what the complaint about the resolution is. Aren't all SD & ED 42" plasmas 852x480 pixels in resolution? Don't forget, this is perfect for NTSC material, and very good for PAL.
Also, the complaint about colour and contrast is totally wrong. On the contrary, the outstanding colour reproduction and contrast really gives the picture a 3D-like depth. This is the real strength of this set. Far, far better than the washed-out LCDs, and much better than most other plasmas.
Connectivity is fine. Three Scart sockets and HD Compliant component. Dedicated S-Video is missing, along with a composite-video (not missing much there though), but these are implemented in the Scart sockets. No DVI or HDMI, but why should there be? Connectivity is not an issue for me.
I think the reviewer was obsessed about the HD thing. Sure, HD is the future, but for many people this is several years off yet. Better to get (and enjoy) a television that excels with the material we use now rather than think about what we'll be using in 2012.
The pinnacle of standard and enhanced definition television! But don't pay the £1,800 SRP. Street price of £1,350 (including a Panasonic DVD recorder) makes it a great deal.
Tell us what you think
Can't find the product you're looking for? Want to suggest a product for review?
Do More with your Television
- How do I set up my TV properly?
- Do I need a TV with 1080i or 1080p?
- Choose the right gear for high definition
- Blu-ray and HD DVD: The facts
- Gear Envy: Apple TV
- How do I get more HDMI ports on my TV?
on Televisions
Freeview HD launch: BBC HD and ITV1 HD now available -- sort of
On 2 December, Freeview HD launched, at least technically. Sadly, there's no equipment that can receive the broadcasts at the moment, but the channels are certainly up and running
More:
Latest Television Reviews
Sony Bravia EX1 (KDL-52EX1)
An always good and occasionally outstanding performer, but it's far too expensive
Philips Cinema 21:9 (56PFL9954H/12)
Great piece of kit, but its price tag will make it unobtainable for most
JVC Xiview LT-42WX70
Interesting attempt at creating an innovative TV, but some of its promised functionality is yet to be realised
